LPD News Blog

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On June 2nd, at 10:36 a.m., the driver of a 2012 Ford Focus, 4dr, was on Highlands Fairway Blvd attempting to turn left from the entrance of Highlands Fairway to travel east on Griffin Road. The driver of this vehicle has been identified as Vern W. Catton, 97 years of age, 3510 Innis Brook Drive, Lakeland, Fla.

A vehicle, 2003 Ford Escape, driving west bound on Griffin Road in the inside lane struck the vehicle driven by Catton on the driver’s side. The driver of the Ford Escape has been identified as Samantha Allemang, 18 years old, 240 Heatherpoint Drive, Lakeland, Fla.

Catton was transported to the Lakeland Regional Medical Center where he succumbed to his injuries from the crash. Allemang sustained minor injuries and refused medical treatment at the scene. A Traffic Homicide Investigator will follow-up on the investigation.

The roadway was closed for approx. 3 hours during the crash investigation.